Beyond Edenton
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While it is widely known of the sinister nature of slavery, a whole new glimpse of its horror is told by the more fair sex. Often, women in these times experienced the many consequences of an inescapable patriarchal society. Divorce was a frowned upon decision, and battered wives often suffered domestic violence.
However, the abuse enslaved women had to endure overshadowed most other forms. Slavery is terrible for men; but it is far more terrible for women. Superadded to the burden common to all, they have wrongs, and sufferings, and mortifications peculiarly their own. |
The mistress, who ought to protect the helpless victim, has no other feelings towards her but those of jealousy and rage. The degradation, the wrongs, the vices, that grow out of slavery, are more than I can describe. |
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Jacobs describes in her novel, "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" about her encounter with the new white master after her old mistress passed away.
He took an unhealthy interest in her, but not a too uncommon interest. However, often times, enslaved women had no other choice but to submit, or face severe consequences... But! |
Jacobs reverts this sexual torment into her favor, by charming a single lawyer named Samuel Tedwell Sawyer.
She does so in order to dissuade Dr. Norcom's aggressive approach and restore peace back into her life. She births two children with the lawyer, but that move only further riles Dr. Norcom, leading to certain developments in her psyche. Such as her wits, determination, and will to protect others. |
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Learn about her education, in which she obtained in her childhood...